Energy healing with Reiki

It is natural to be sceptical about energy healing; after all it isn't something we can see. But when you understand how aware animals are of the energies we give out, (be it anger, anxiety, sadness, exuberance, excitement), why shouldn't they also be able to sense healing energy?

Reiki is one form of energy healing, which animals are especially receptive to.

So where did Reiki come from?

Reiki (pronounced Ray-key) is believed to have come from Tibetan Buddhist monks. The ancient healing therapy was rediscovered in the late 1800’s by Dr. Mikao Usui, and introduced to the western world in the mid 1970s.
The word Reiki is Japanese; “Rei” means “Universal” and “Ki” means “Life Energy”. So Reiki is the vital life energy that flows through all living things.
It is not affiliated with a particular religion, and it is not based on a particular belief. Reiki is a subtle, non-invasive, yet effective form of energy work using spiritually guided life force energy.

Reiki practitioners have been trained and attuned to channel this universal energy for the benefit of humans, animals, plants and even the earth. The energy flows through the practitioner and is usually transmitted into the recipient by light hands-on contact, but it is equally effective from a distance. The energy can be directed to all parts of a recipient’s body, but it will always go to where it is needed most.

So how does Reiki work?

The aim of Reiki is to stimulate the body’s own ability to heal itself by balancing physical and emotional energies. It is not a cure-all, but works very well in conjunction with conventional treatments and medicine.
Within the body are seven energy centres, called chakras.

When these are healthy and open, we are balanced physically, emotionally, and mentally. When one or more of these centres are blocked, we can become physically ill, emotionally shut down, and mentally drained.
Reiki reopens the chakras to allow the flow of energy to radiate through each of the energy centres to restore balance.

So how can Reiki benefit animals?

The benefits of sending Reiki to animals are countless.
Not only are animals generally extremely receptive and grateful for the healing energy, but they also add so much to the world (and often our personal world!) with just their mere presence, that we need to return the favor!

For healthy animals, receiving Reiki promotes feelings of relaxation and well-being, allowing them to remain fully connected to universal source energy.
For animals with physical and emotional issues, Reiki can help restore them to their natural state of balance.

Reiki can be of great benefit in the following ways:
- Increase the bond between person and pet
- Lessen physical pain
- Reduce separation anxiety, depression and grief
- Reduce stress
- Stop behavioral issues like nervousness, hyperactivity and aggression
- Stop destructive behavior
- Heal trauma and/or abuse from the animal’s past
- Shorten recovery time from surgery, injury or illness
- Manage pain from chronic conditions
- Ease age-related issues like arthritis and joint pain
- Ease the transition when a pet passes on, as well as help with the grief of those they left behind
- Accelerate the healing of post-surgical trauma, wounds, breaks and sprains.
- Help delay the onset and progression of certain diseases.
- Help energise and revitalise an older animal.
- Soothe and calm the highly strung, hyperactive or stressed animal.
- Help alleviate lethargy and depression.
- Help with transitions such as moving house, introduction to, or loss of, another pet.
- Help rescued animals adjust to their new surroundings and prepare them for a future in a stable family life.

Reiki does not interfere with conventional medical treatments in any way. It is an alternative holistic therapy, but it is not intended to diagnose medical conditions nor replace veterinary treatment.